As in the movies: what Mukachevo looked like more than 100 years ago. Archival photos

The strategic location of Mukachevo at the crossroads of trade routes contributed to its development in the Middle Ages. The city is known for its centuries-old cultural heritage and architecture. The first mention of Mukachevo can be found in the Hungarian chronicles "Gesta Hungarorum," which tells about the Hungarians' crossing of the Carpathians in 896. However, archaeological finds indicate the existence of the settlement in the VI-IX centuries.

In the X-XI centuries, the city became part of Kyivan Rus. At that time, the legendary Palanok Castle was built, which later became one of the main attractions of the city. Rare historical photos from a century ago have been posted online.

In 1376, Mukachevo received the status of a city and its own seal with the image of St. Martin. At that time, Palanok Castle played an important defense role and was a strategic center in the region. Its history is associated with many prominent figures, including the Rákóczi dynasty that ruled Hungary.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Mukachevo was the center of the eponymous principality, which belonged to Prince Fedir Koriatovych of Podillia. During his reign, the city was actively developed. In addition, the castle was rebuilt and fortified.

In the XVI-XVIII centuries, Mukachevo repeatedly passed to different owners. The city was an important strategic point and the center of the struggle between Austria and Transylvania for influence in Hungary.

In 1644, before the Thirty Years' War, negotiations between the Transylvanian Prince György I Rákóczi and the French diplomats Jules Mazarin and  on a joint struggle against the Austrian Empire took place in Mukachevo.

In 1703-1711, Mukachevo Castle was one of the centers of the national liberation war of the Hungarian people under the leadership of Ferenc II Rákóczi.

In the nineteenth century, Mukachevo was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At that time, the city was experiencing an economic boom, with industry and trade developing here.

After the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918, the city briefly became part of the Hutsul Republic and later became part of Czechoslovakia. In the interwar period, Mukachevo developed as an important economic and cultural center of Transcarpathia.

In 1938 the city was occupied by Hungary, and in 1945 it became part of the Ukrainian SSR.

Unique photos from the early 20th century show interesting local landscapes and architectural structures that defined the city's flavor.

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